WHITE PLAINS CITIZENETREPORTER SETS RECORD VISITS FOR YEAR 7,017,658 VISITS! 2,098,003 VISITORS MADE 6 VISITS A DAY EVERY DAY. 63,330 UNIQUE VISITORS MADE 133,730 VISITS IN DECEMBER. WPCNR AVERAGED 17,284 VISITORS A WEEK, VISITING 31,270 TIMES.

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WPCNR POLICE GAZZETTE. From Yonkers Police Department. June 30, 2022:

Today, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Yonkers Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza, Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah, and DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III announced a series of arrests in a multi-agency investigation into illegal firearms trafficking.

Earlier in 2022, the Yonkers Police Department Narcotics Unit initiated a joint investigation with members of DEA Group D-43, New York City Police Department, New York State Police, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office into the illegal interstate trafficking of firearms to Yonkers.

The investigation focused on the trafficking of “ghost guns;” partially furnished, non-serialized, and untraceable firearms that can be easily assembled to become fully functioning firearms at home with parts that can be bought online and through various retailers. These “ghost guns” are designed to avoid gun laws and regulations.

On June 24, 2022, Detectives arrested Jose Gregory OLIVO-FELIZ (27) of Yonkers, Pedro Junior OLIVIO-FELIZ (21) of Yonkers, and Idanis LORA-ESPINAL (30) of Washington, D.C., in connection with this investigation.

During those arrests, Netaly A. PENA-CAMILO (25) of Washington, D.C.,allegedly fled from arresting officers but was later located in Washington, D.C., and apprehended on June 29, 2022, by members of the investigative team with the assistance of the FBI, DEA Washington Division, and the Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia.

All four defendants have been arraigned in Yonkers City Court and are currently held without bail. 

This joint investigation resulted in the seizure of TWO conventional firearms and 31 “ghost guns” that were allegedly purchased and assembled in Washington, D.C., before being transported to Yonkers for sale. The investigation shut down an alleged “Iron Pipeline” of illegal firearms from Washington, D.C., to Yonkers, NY.

“The Yonkers PD is doing a tremendous job in reducing gun violence by getting these illegal guns off our streets and out of the hands of those who want to cause harm,” said Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano.

“YPD’s proactive approach is working, but we need to remain vigilant to ensure these ghost guns do not infiltrate our neighborhoods. I commend the collaborative efforts of the joint agencies who worked with our Narcotics Unit to help stem the growing gun and drug pipeline that is plaguing our nation. Let these arrests serve as a message that Yonkers does and will not tolerate these guns in our community.”

Yonkers Police Commissioner Chris Sapienza stated, “This investigation shows the amazing work that can be accomplished when highly-skilled investigators collaborate toward the ultimate goal of public safety. Because of the efforts of these Detectives and their supervisors, more than 30 guns have been removed from the streets of Yonkers and its surrounding communities. I applaud the hard work in this lengthy and successful investigation by our Yonkers Police Narcotics Unit and our partners in the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the New York City Police Department, the New York State Police, and the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office, as well as the agencies in the Washington, D.C. area for a job well done.”

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam E. Rocah stated: “The proliferation of illegal firearms, like ghost guns, flowing into New York from out of state is a grave threat to the safety of our communities. I’m grateful to the Yonkers Police Department and the numerous state, local, and federal partners who pursued this investigation and who work with us every day to rid our streets of illegal guns. As promised, I will use the full force of my office to prosecute gun crimes and gun traffickers.” 

“New Yorkers should feel a little safer this holiday weekend after this gun trafficking network operating from DC to NY has been shut down,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Frank A. Tarentino III. “DEA’s strategic and targeted enforcement is focused on removing major drug threats and associated violence stemming from gun and drug trafficking networks. I applaud the diligent and courageous work by our law enforcement partners in New York and Washington DC area throughout this investigation and arrests.”

The felony complaint, filed in Yonkers City Court, sets forth the following charges:

Netaly A. PENA-CAMILO; charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. 

Jose Gregorio OLIVO-FELIZ; charged with two counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, one count of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree, three counts of Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree, two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree. 

Pedro Junior OLIVO-FELIZ; charged with Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the First Degree, Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Criminal Sale of a Firearm in the Third Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. 

Idanis LORA-ESPINAL; charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the First Degree. 

As alleged in the felony complaint, a total of 31 ghost guns and two conventional firearms were sold on five separate occasions between April 28, 2022, and June 24, 2022, as detailed below:

• On five occasions between April 28, 2022, and June 24, 2022, Jose Gregorio OLIVO-FELIZ was in possession of and sold a total of 31 ghost guns and two conventional firearms in the City of Yonkers.
• On two occasions between May 6, 2022, and May 13, 2022, Pedro Junior OLIVO-FELIZ was in possession of and sold a total of 10 ghost guns in the City of Yonkers. 
• On two occasions between May 6, 2022, and June 24, 2022, Netaly A. PENA-CAMILO was in possession of and sold a total of 26 ghost guns in the City of Yonkers.
• On June 24, 2022, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Idanis LORA-ESPINAL was in possession of 19 ghost guns in the City of Yonkers.

All suspects are currently in custody and awaiting upcoming court appearances. The case is being prosecuted by the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office. Additional information may be released as it becomes available.

NOTE: Booking charges are merely accusations, and the defendant(s) are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. ###

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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION LEDGER. From the Westchester County Department of Communications (EDITED).

Earlier this week Latimer announced other measures taken by the County to ease the burden facing County residents’ wallets.

These actions include:

·         Funding for Feeding Westchester: Increasing funding to Feeding Westchester by $700,000, which doubles what is included in the 2022 budget and covers the increased cost of food and fuel.

o   Feeding Westchester has experienced an increase this year to $0.71 per pound across the foods they provide, compared to $0.60 per pound last year. Overall, they are seeing an 18% year over year increase in food costs. The additional $700,000 for Feeding Westchester will enable them to support 883,838 people. In addition, the average food package provided by a food pantry has a value of approximately $60 saving a family $240/month.

Beginning Tuesday, July 5, Glen Island Beach fees will be waived, Monday through Thursday, through Thursday, September 1.  The latest move to ease inflation costs for residents will be at Glen Island Beach in New Rochelle and also at the County’s pools, Saxon Woods Pool in White Plains and Sprain Ridge and The Brook at Tibbetts in Yonkers. Croton Point Beach in Croton-on-Hudson is open weekends only, and Willson’s Woods in Mount Vernon is currently free daily.

Westchester County Executive George Latimer said: “As costs continue to rise, the County is taking measures to ease the burden facing residents. Visiting pools and beaches during the summer should be a stress-fee experience, and I look forward to families coming out this summer to enjoy their time together.”

Commissioner of the Westchester County Department of Parks, Recreation and Conservation, Kathy O’Connor said: “Our pools and beaches are a local destination our residents look forward to visiting each summer. I’m happy we are able to take these steps to ensure our residents don’t miss out this year.”

The beaches and pools are accessible by the Bee-Line Bus, which is free to ride this summer, through Labor Day, Monday, September 5. 

·         Free Commuter Parking: Westchester County will be providing free parking at the North White Plains Commuter Lot, and the County Center parking lot from July 1 – August 31.

·         Sales Tax CUT TO COME: 

Westchester County has the ability to lower/eliminate the sales tax on residential energy on a quarterly basis. The County needs to adopt a local law and notify NYS Tax and Finance 90 days ahead of implementation. The County is proposing eliminating the sales tax for the quarter beginning December 1. This time period would cover the start of the heating season. The sales tax elimination covers home heating oil, propane, natural gas, electric, coal and wood for residential heating purposes. It covers homeowners as well as rental units. Renters or landlords would be eligible depending on the structure of the unit’s heat and electric use.

·         Civil Service Exams: The County will waive the fees for civil service exams through December 31.

All four pools and Glen Island Beach are open daily, 11 a.m. through 6:30 p.m.; last admission at 6 p.m.; proof of residency is required. Croton Point Beach is open weekends only and Mondays, July 4 and Labor Day, Sept. 5. Parking fees at Glen Island and The Brook at Tibbetts still apply during the time admission fees are waived. For additional information, visit parks.westchestergov.com or call: 914-864-PARK.

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WPCNR WASHINGTON LAW JOURNAL. By John F. Bailey. June 30, 2022:

The Supreme Court Tuesday ruled to uphold the Trump Administration ruling to raise levels of carbon dioxide emissions from the lower standards, the Environmental Protection Agency had created in 2015 as part of the Clean Air Act to lower the climate warming, ozone destroying carbon emissions levels power plants could emit as future targets. The vote was 6 to 3, all Conservative Justices voting approval, the Associated Press and Yahoo News reported.

The Supreme Court limited the Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in a 6-3 ruling handed down Tuesday that will have far-reaching implications on the federal government’s ability to fight climate change. It is probably the last of decisions announced by the court until they resume their work in September.

In West Virginia v. EPA the court decided the EPA in the Trump administration did not violate the Clean Air Act raising permitted limits on carbon emissions from power plants.

The Justices in an ancillary observation in the decision that the EPA did not have the power to dictate what the power industry must do (or manuafacturers, for that matter) must do to move from fossil fuels to clean energy (from wind, solar, water generated electricity).

The reasoning as described in initial Associated Press and Yahoo News reports, is the head of the EPA is a political employee so therefore, the EPA does not have the authority to do regulate conditions in states under the Clean Air Act. The upshot of that significant commentary in this decision is unclear at this time, but the most obvious is states, or congress would have to make laws proscribing clean air policies from now on.

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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2022. June 29, 2022 UPDATED 2:15 P.M.:

The Westchester County Board of Elections reports that County Legislator MaryJane Shimsky has defeated Thomas Abinanti, the longtime NY Assemblyman from the 92nd District (Greenburgh to Tarrytown). Ms. Shimsky defeat Mr. Abinanti by 892 votes, 4,586 to 3,694.

Governor Kathy Hochul defeated the field handily to win the Democrat Party Nomination for Governor in November. Her opponent at this time appears to Lee Zeldin is leading Andrew Giuliani for the Republican Primary nomination to run against Ms. Hochul.

Ms. Shimsky gave this statement this afternoon:

“I am honored by the voters’ support and proud to be the Democratic nominee for Assembly in the 92nd District. This race was about fighting for our Democratic values – to believe science and fight for healthcare resources; to deliver protections for reproductive rights and stand up for equality; to fix our crumbling infrastructure and make it more resilient to climate change; and to work collaboratively in so many ways to bring a better future for our families. Democrats in the 92nd Assembly District made it clear they’re ready for change; now we move forward to November, where we’ll all be working to elect and re-elect Democrats up and down the ballot. 

“This victory would not be possible without the support, time, and dedication of so many. I want to thank my family for their never-ending patience and support, my tireless campaign team, and the scores of volunteers who talked to thousands of voters. 

“Thank you to the local leaders who endorsed me including Greenburgh Democratic Chair Steve Bass, Westchester Democratic Chair Suzanne Berger, Westchester Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins, Westchester County Board of Legislators Chair Catherine Borgia, Westchester County Board of Legislators Vice Chair Nancy Barr, Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Leader Christopher Johnson, Westchester County Board of Legislators Majority Whip José Alvarado, Westchester County Legislator Benjamin Boykin II, Westchester County Legislator Vedat Gashi, Westchester County Legislator Erika Pierce, Westchester County Legislator Colin Smith, Westchester County Legislator David Tubiolo, Westchester County Legislator Jewel Williams Johnson, Westchester County Legislator Tyrae Woodson-Samuels, Former Westchester County Legislator Alfreda Williams, Former Yonkers City Council Member Symra Brandon, Greenburgh Town Council Member Ellen Hendrickx, Greenburgh Town Council Member Gina Jackson, Former Greenburgh Town Council Member Eddie Mae Barnes, Ardsley Mayor Nancy Kaboolian, Ardsley Deputy Mayor Andy DiJusto, Former Ardsley Mayor Jay Leon, Dobbs Ferry Deputy Mayor Donna Cassell, Former Dobbs Ferry Village Trustee Maura Daroczy, Elmsford Village Trustee Matthew Evans, Hastings-on-Hudson Village Trustee Tom Drake, Irvington Village Trustee Mitchell Bard, Irvington Village Trustee Arlene Burgos, Former Irvington Village Trustee Constance Kehoe, Pleasantville Village Trustee David Vinjamuri, and Tarrytown Deputy Mayor Becky McGovern.”  

“Thank you to the Westchester County Democratic Committee, the Working Families Party, the Hispanic Democrats of Westchester, Eleanor’s Legacy, Tenants PAC, LiUNA, and Westchester County Corrections Superior Officers Association for standing with me. 

“Most importantly, thank you to the voters who made their voices heard during this election and voted for new representation in Albany.” 

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WPCNCR CORONAVIRUS REPORT. From the New York State Covid Tracker. Observations & Analysis by John F. Bailey. June 28, 2022:

The 9 counties surrounding New York City reported 1,655 new cases of covid on Friday.  Westchester County reported 291;  Orange County, 100; Rockland, 90; Dutchess, 67; Ulster 28; Putnam 20 ; Sullivan-17; 554 in Nassau County and 488 in Suffolk County.

In New York City the 5 boroughs reported 3,344 new cases of covid.

Together the 9 counties and New York City had 5,004 new cases of covid in one day Friday. The Mid-Hudson region and Long Island is running 67% of the total positives in the New York Metropolitan area, (not even including New Jersey).

More troubling about acceptance of living  with covid,  is the number infections a day this month of June compared to the number of infections in  June, 2021. One year ago is when relaxed covid rules statewide lead to a third fourth and now a 5^th Wave of Covid.

This may happen again considering the 300 a day infections Westchester is running this month.

June of 2021  Westchester had 463 positives cases of covid in 30 days,  averaging   15 new covid cases a day. Remember that number!

As of June 28 of 2022, Westchester has had 7,969  new cases of covid reported, this month, an average of  295 new infections a day that is 1,886% more infections per day compared to last June

(Saturday results, available today showed 295 covid positives Saturday, bringing the week total of persons testing positive to 1,954 or 295 positives a day June 19-25

That is 531 times more covid infections a day more than last June. This is more than an omen it is telling the future.

Hospitalizations, Mr. Latimer said were steady at 100 to 110 a week. (That is about double what hospitalizations were three weeks ago when they were  60 to 80)

It is significant.

Last June only a 15-a-day new covid infections set the stage for a steady increase in infections July, August,September leading steadily into the highest rate of infections the county has had by the week before December and hitting 26,000 in one day in mid-January.

It remains to be seen what the 419 infections a day rate this June will have on the public infections in the county in July.

This is what happened last summer:

 In July of 2021, there were 1,724 new Covid positives from July 1 through July 31, an average of 55 a day—up from the 15 a day in June, with the infection rate climbing  from less than ½% of those tested the first two weeks in July to  2% by the end of July. In August, the new infections rose to  5,704,  184 new infections per day, and the average infection rate to 3% on average.

After Labor Day, September slowed to 4,530 new Covid cases for the month, 151 a day,  Still at  2% infectins a month. October dipped to 2,507 infections, 81 a day, but the socialization in October and in Novemnber lead to  4,001 new cases in November, 133 a day, followed by the December of Spread—of over 46,898 new cases oc covid, with infections rising at double digit rates as high as 23%.

So though we may not be getting sick as seriously, the number of infections in June is a warning that covid is still very out there very contagious to the unvaccinated and the elderly.

The new variants are more contagious, but not as sickening according to reports.

Mr. Latimer and Deputy County Executive Ken Jenkins urged parents to take advantage of  Covid Moderna Vaccinations for children taking place tomorrow by appointment.

VACCINE CLINICS FOP CHILDREN AND INFORMATION THIS WEEK

COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic for Ages 6 Months to 5 Years Old Only on Wednesday, June 29, 2 pm to 4 pm, White Plains Clinic at 134 Court Street. Appointments are encouraged.
Schedule a First Dose Pediatric Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)

White Plains Clinic at 134 Court Street, Fridays 9 am to 3 pm. (NO WALK-INS available for July 1, 2022 only)
Schedule a Pediatric Booster Vaccine (Ages 5-11 only)
Schedule a First Booster Vaccine (Ages 12 and over)
Schedule a Second Booster Vaccine (View Eligibility Criteria)

Schedule a First Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Ages 5 and over)
Schedule a Second Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Ages 5 and over)
Schedule a Third Dose Pfizer Vaccine (Immunocompromised)

Schedule a First Dose Pediatric Moderna Vaccine (Ages 6 Months to 5 years)
Schedule a First Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 18 and over)
Schedule a Second Dose Moderna Vaccine (Ages 18 and over)
Schedule a Third Dose Moderna Vaccine (Immunocompromised)

Schedule a Johnson & Johnson Vaccine (Ages 18 and over)